Florence School Leader Dr. Roderick Sheppard Named Finalist for NASSP Advocacy Champion of the Year Award
Montgomery, AL – March 12, 2026: The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) is proud to announce that Dr. Roderick “Rod” Sheppard, deputy superintendent of Florence City Schools, has been named a finalist for the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Advocacy Champion of the Year Award.
Dr. Sheppard is one of three finalists nationwide for the award, which recognizes school leaders whose advocacy efforts have significantly influenced education policy and elevated the voices of school leaders at the local, state, and national levels. Established in 2019, the Advocacy Champion of the Year Award is NASSP’s highest recognition for education advocacy, honoring leaders who work to shape the future of education through public policy engagement and civic leadership.
Dr. Sheppard has dedicated nearly three decades to public education and currently serves as deputy superintendent for Florence City Schools, where he continues to oversee student services while helping lead districtwide initiatives. A 28-year veteran educator, he previously served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal in the district before moving into district leadership.
In addition to his work in Florence City Schools, Dr. Sheppard plays a significant role in education advocacy across Alabama and the nation. As NASSP Coordinator for the AASSP Board of Directors, he represents Alabama in national advocacy efforts, mobilizes school leaders to engage with policymakers, and keeps administrators informed about legislative developments affecting schools. His advocacy efforts include maintaining strong relationships with lawmakers, providing insight on education legislation, and championing issues such as Title II funding and school mental health resources at the federal level.
Dr. Sheppard is also known for helping students become engaged advocates for their own education. Through initiatives such as Youth in Government Day and student leadership sessions focused on advocacy and civic engagement; he encourages young people to understand the policymaking process and to use their voices to influence the issues that affect their schools and communities.
“Dr. Sheppard exemplifies what it means to be a strong advocate for public education,” said Dr. Farrell Seymore, executive director of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS) and AASSP. “His leadership has helped amplify the voices of Alabama’s school leaders and students in conversations that shape education policy. We are proud to see him recognized nationally for his dedication to advocacy and his commitment to improving opportunities for students.”
The NASSP Advocacy Champion of the Year Award recognizes one exceptional school leader annually for outstanding advocacy impact. Finalists are selected based on their ability to mobilize advocates across districts, influence education policy through direct engagement with lawmakers, and empower students and school communities to participate in the policymaking process. The winner will be announced in April 2026 at the National Education Leadership Awards (NELA) ceremony.
For more information, please contact Alyssa Godfrey, director of communications and technology for CLAS, at alyssa@clasleaders.org or (800) 239-3616.
About the NASSP Advocacy Champion of the Year Award
Established in 2019, the NASSP Advocacy Champion of the Year Award honors a school leader whose influence in policy and public discourse has helped shape the future of education. The award recognizes leaders who elevate the voices of principals and assistant principals in policy conversations and who inspire students and communities to engage in civic advocacy.
About AASSP
The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) serves as a voice and resource for public school secondary administrators. AASSP is an affiliate association of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS), which provides a framework to connect dedicated school administrators with a network for professional growth and support. For more information, visit www.clasleaders.org/AASSP.
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